Brooklyn’s Best

Having moved from NYC ten weeks ago to take this job I am now a guest in my hometown.

As an ex-manhattanite, needing a place to stay near everything but that would feel brand new to me (full disclosure: I’ve been terribly homesick so felt the need to discover new horizons for this next chapter of being a tourist in my own town) I turned to the Wythe Hotel, an 8-story hotel on the Williamsburg waterfront.

It fulfilled everything I needed; it has a homey, chic, welcoming vibe that made me feel like I was staying in a friend’s loft but without all of the fuss that comes with being a guest. Note to friends: I love you but it’s hard to cram it all in so for this trip I opted to stay in hotel, but I’ll take you up on YOUR accommodations next time around – this visit was a bit of a roller coaster.

The weekend was packed with my ten year old daughter’s playdates and some family obligations along with a lot of sleeping (sometimes my version of living a spa life) which brings me to the next sentence.

Photo by Matthew Williams courtesy of The Wythe Hotel

In spite of the huge line of hipsters waiting outside to get into the gorgeous rooftop bar (The Ides, a 6th floor bar and terrace with stunning Manhattan and Brooklyn views) and the Memorial Day madness dance parties happening all over the borough, the hotel is – surprise – QUIET (like a spa but not a spa).

Built in 1901, the former cooperage has been meticulously converted with what must be soundproof glass windows that showcase the area like a backdrop to a movie happening just beyond your reach, making you feel connected to the neighborhood but safely tucked away from it all. Sweet.

Photo courtesy of my instagram @elainedfarley

Like its surrounding neighborhood, the Wythe Hotel melds historic with modern, creating something entirely unique and authentic. There’s no room service but you can get coffee and buns delivered to your room in this adorable red thermos, the herbal and organic products found in the bathroom are local – natch – from Goldie’s and although everything seems retro it is all distinctly rooted in the now.

Renowned Brooklyn restaurateur Andrew Tarlow, of Marlow & Sons, Diner, and Roman’s, manages the hotel’s expansive food and beverage program (we had the oysters which were plated on delicious salt with just enough horseradish). And we were told by our charming waitress at the ground floor restaurant Reynard (courtyard seating, a daily menu featuring market-driven American fare and seasonal cocktails) that all of the meat is butchered in house by their on staff butcher – and the burger was amaze. They go through a whole cow monthly featuring different cuts along the way. Again, so vintage yet so now. There are various event spaces as well, including a main event hall (where there was a charming wedding taking place) a private dining room, large guest lofts and 60-seat screening room (when you want to screen that film you just made) and bar. The Wythe Hotel is located in the heart of Brooklyn’s most dynamic neighborhood Williamsburg situated right among the best galleries, boutiques, bars, restaurants and concert halls. It is one subway stop from Manhattan, and minutes from the central hub of Union Square.